JOURNAL ARTICLE

Predation, not fear of wolves, keeps elk from denuding Yellowstone.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Morell, Virginia 3 of 3

Abstract

A study challenges the idea that wolves in Yellowstone National Park created a "landscape of fear" that allowed vegetation to recover by scaring elk away from their favorite dining spots. Instead, the impact on elk behavior was found to be weak, with a guild of predators, including human hunters, playing a significant role in reducing elk numbers and allowing vegetation to partly recover. The study suggests that the park's ecosystem has only patchily recovered, with aspen trees still struggling to grow into mature forests. The findings provide evidence that wolf effects on Yellowstone's aspen are likely weaker than previously thought, but the complex interactions in the ecosystem make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/10, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:180455569
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